While bathers have been trying to avoid sunburn, an animal rescuer is doing his best to help a fox with a different skin problem.

The fox, which has set up home under Worthing pier, has been suffering from mange but efforts to cure it are proving successful.

The red-coated tenant has been startling bathers for weeks with his occasionally forays in the sun.

Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service has been trying to treat its condition with drugged food and officer Billy Elliott has been pleased with the fox's improvement.

He said: "The drug we are giving him should kill all parasites. He needs three separated doses, one every ten days, so it will take about a month to cure him.

"He's two thirds of the way through the treatment. I urge people not to feed him so he eats the food we give him."

Talking about how mange can threaten a fox's life, Mr Elliott said: "It normally affects the rear end of the fox, the hind legs.

"It causes him to scratch and nibble, taking off fur and leaving the skin open to infection.

"In the summer time, loss of fur is not too much of a problem but losing his coat in the winter could cause secondary problems such as pneumonia."